The town of Hinoba-an in Negros Occidental plans to open its border to Basay town and Bayawan City in Negros Oriental on a limited basis, Mayor Ernesto Estrao said Sunday, Feb. 21.
Earlier, reports from Kabankalan City said it will also open its border with Mabinay in Negros Oriental to private vehicles and allow the neighboring residents to stay for not more than 12 hours.
Estrao said he will send letters to Basay Mayor Beda Canamaque and Bayawan Mayor Pryde Henry Teves informing them of his intention to allow residents of the three localities to make transactions, vice versa, for a period of 10 to 12 hours.
He will also inform Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson of his proposal, he added.
Estrao admitted that COVID-19 has tremendous effects to the town’s tourism industry and economy.
The mayor said that they have been implementing strictly mandated health protocols set by the inter-agency task force at the Hinobaan-Basay borders by allowing only the entry of people with specific purpose and with travel orders.
Tourists from the different localities of Negros Occidental are now being allowed to enter Hinobaan, by presenting the required medical health certificates.
As of Feb. 20, Hinobaan has only four active cases while there is zero case in Basay and 10 in Bayawan, as of Feb. 19. – GB
